Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-172
Falcon 9 Block 5 launched the NROL-172 mission for SpaceX from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on May 12, 2026 (UTC).
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Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 4E · Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-172
Launched May 12, 2026 11:13:50 AMSuccess
Flight direction
90° E
orbit unknown: due east assumed
Flight path
First-stage drop zone (rough estimate)
Drawn 400–700 km downrange along the flight direction. Official hazard areas are published as NOTAMs and navigational warnings.
About the mission
Thirteenth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.
Mission description from Launch Library 2.
- Launch time (your time zone)
- Tue, May 12 · 11:13:50 AM
- Status
- Success
- Launch provider
- SpaceX
- Rocket
- Falcon 9 Block 5
- Mission type
- Government/Top Secret
- Target orbit
- LEO
- Launch pad
- Space Launch Complex 4E · Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA